Balanoposthitis in Dogs - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

There is nothing abnormal about a dog licking his penis or genital area. For a species without opposable thumbs, hygiene needs to be taking care of in the most efficient way possible. As with any canine behavior, if your dog does this too often, it could be a sign of a health issue. Unfortunately, diseases and health problems of the penis are relatively common in dogs. Spending so much time outside, they can come in contact with various bacteria. Running over long grass or lying down on the ground can make their undercarriage exposed, so it is understandable their penis might be vulnerable to infection.

AnimalWised looks into the causes, treatment and symptoms of balanoposthitis in dogs to help us if we see our dog has a problem with their penis. We will also look at other reasons a dog might lick their private area, but it is important to stress a veterinarian visit will be required to achieve a proper diagnosis.

What is balanoposthitis in dogs?

Any disease ending in -itis refers to an inflammatory condition. The related condition balanitis is a general term for the inflammation of the glans penis. Balanoposthitis is when this inflammation also occurs in the prepuce, the sheath of fur covered skin which protects the penis when flaccid. This is the canine equivalent of a foreskin in humans. It is a fairly common condition in dogs, “constituting approximately 20% of canine penile and preputial lesions”[1].

The integumentary system is the combined physical elements an animal uses to protect itself from external damage. For example, fur protects them from the cold and skin protects them from all their innards falling out. The penis is a particularly vulnerable appendage, so the prepuce is a necessary part of this integumentary system. While physical trauma to this area is possible, the dog knows instinctively to protect it. Causes of balanoposthitis tend to have more to do with underlying medical conditions and hygiene.

Although balanoposthitis is a relatively common condition in dogs, it is also important to note it is not often acute. It can occur in dogs at any age (including puppies), although it is much more common in dogs which have reached sexual maturity. It is also a condition which usually presents in mild symptoms.

The symptoms of balanoposthitis in dogs will usually clear up on their own without veterinary medical intervention. When they do not, it can lead to a more severe infection which will require treatment. This can be exacerbated by concurrent health issues such as another infection, a weakened immune system, underlying health problems or even physical trauma. The swelling or inflammation may not always be very evident, nor can purulent discharge (i.e. pus) be seen easily in mild cases. This is why we need to be careful and look out for other symptoms.

Causes of balanoposthitis in dogs

Since balanoposthitis is a general term for inflammation of a dog's penis and prepuce, its causes can be varied. They include:

The most common cause is opportunistic bacterial infection. Bacteria in a dog's environment, whether inside or outside the home, can find its way onto the dog's genitals. It can even occur when the dog is licking themselves for hygiene purposes. If they have bacteria on their mouth, perhaps from eating something unhygienic, they can pass it onto their genital region. The main types of bacteria responsible are

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Streptococcus pyogenes

Staphulococcus aureus

Klebsiella sp.

These bacteria are naturally present in the foreskin of the dog but when they have a chance, they reproduce and cause problems in excess (hence why they are called opportunistic bacteria). Other microorganisms commonly involved in balanoposthitis in dogs are Mycoplasma. Ureaplasma species may also be involved, although this is less frequent.

Sexually transmitted diseases or infections in dogs are possible, especially in dogs which have not been properly vaccinated. The herpes virus is one of the most common STDs in dogs. The result of the infection can lead to inflammation of the penis and/or prepuce. This goes to show that balanoposthitis is a symptom of another condition or disease rather than a disease in its own right. It is very rare for cancer to be contagious, but something known as transmissible venereal tumors (TVTs) can occur in dogs. One of the symptoms is inflammation.

Symptoms of balanoposthitis in dogs

The most common sign of balanoposthitis in dogs is the presence of pus on the dog's penis. Depending on the type of infection, the pus may be colored various shades of yellow or green. Blood may also be present, especially if the case becomes severe. There are other symptoms which may present, including:

There may be a foul odor emanating from the genital region, but this will not likely be as noticeable as visual symptoms. Bacterial infection can become acute if left untreated which is why it is so important to take the dog to a veterinarian whenever symptoms first appear.

Diagnosis of balanoposthitis will first require a physical examination of the dog's genitals by a veterinarian. They will not usually need to carry out other diagnostic tests unless presence of a different condition is suspected. In these cases (or if the dog does not respond to treatment), a sample will need to be cultured to identify the type of bacteria present.

It is important to note that a dog's penis is self-lubricating. This means it produces a secretion which is used to lubricate it for various movements. Said secretion can mix with dead skin cells to form something called smegma. This is a normal secretion and something which does not indicate a medical problem. Removal of smegma is one fo the reasons dog lick their genitals.

Treatment of balanoposthitis

As balanoposthitis is a symptom and not a disease in itself, treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Mild cases of the condition may not even require treatment, but will be able to resolve in due time. In more acute cases, the dog will first need to be washed with a mild antiseptic. The type of antiseptic needs to be prescribed by the vet otherwise it can cause further irritation.

Cleaning the area properly may require douching with sterile water and may also involve clipping of the hair around the penis. Bacteria can cling to this fur, so it will be helpful in keeping the area clean.

Antibiotics may need to be introduced in severe infections. These can be given orally or may even be used in an antibiotic ointment on the penis. This later option is less likely as it may be difficult for some dog owners to provide the treatment. If a foreign body is present, then its removal will be required to stop infection. Surgery is possible if the object is lodged in the penile canal, but this is very uncommon. If balanoposthitis is due to atopic dermatitis, then the veterinarian may prescribe antihistamines or corticosteroids.

If the dog has not had access to treatment, the condition may worsen. It will depend on the cause, but if there is tissue necrosis, laceration or abscess, a surgical penectomy may be required. Sterilization in the form of castration can help to prevent balanoposthitis in dogs, but it will only reduce the possibility. It will not prevent it altogether.

As we said above, the reasons for a dog licking their genitals may be to relieve the symptom of balanoposthitis, but the underlying cause can vary. One other cause which may or may not be due to the condition is phimosis. This is an “abnormally small prepuce orifice, resulting in inability to extrude the penis”[2]. It can occur from when the dog is a puppy, but it may not be noticed until sexual maturity and trouble mating.

As phimosis may cause trouble urination, it is something which may be noticed when the dog is unable to pee properly. Balanitis or balanoposthitis is a possible cause, but it is more commonly a genetic inheritance. Treatment is usually surgical.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Balanoposthitis in Dogs - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment, we recommend you visit our Reproductive system diseases category.

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